(KTLA) — Investigators believe a 78-year-old man who was reported missing in August was probably dragged deeper into the wilderness after suffering a medical emergency, officials with the Sierra County Sheriff’s Office in Northern California announced.  

Gil Clark was reported missing on Aug. 14.  

He had last been seen after a friend dropped him off in Downieville, some four miles from Goodyears Bar, where the 78-year-old lived.  

Search and rescue crews with the sheriff’s department, along with assistance from Nevada County crews, launched an extensive search for the man along Highway 49 between the two towns, “an area Mr. Clark was known to frequently walk,” a SCSO news release stated.  

The wooded terrain behind the victim’s home was also scoured by search and rescue teams.  

“During these efforts, searchers noted significant bear activity and neighbors reported recent mountain lion activity in the vicinity,” officials said.  

In the ensuing weeks, investigators continued to follow up on leads or tips about Clark’s possible whereabouts. On Nov. 14, an additional search was conducted that expanded the area searchers had been focused on, KTLA’s sister station KRON reported. 

“During that search, clothing and personal items belonging to Mr. Clark were located,” officials said.  

The following day, teams from Sierra and Nevada counties returned to the area with four cadaver dogs and conducted an exhaustive search of the area, though there was no additional trace of the 78-year-old.  

“Based on the investigation and personal items recovered, it is believed Mr. Clark likely suffered a medical emergency near his home that incapacitated him or resulted in his death,” officials said. “Evidence further indicates he was likely dragged from the area by a bear or mountain lion.” 

Sheriff’s investigators in Sierra County said the case remains open and that the department will continue to follow up on new leads or tips.